A member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) was killed at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day 2025 in Barangay Poblacion, Sominot town, Zamboanga del Sur.
The victim, Bernardo Ganar, 35, a resident of Midsalip town and a security detail for Sominot Mayor Johnriel Melo, was celebrating with friends when a heated argument with a fellow drinker escalated. The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Jason, allegedly shot Ganar in the head at 12:01 a.m.
Lt. Col. Rolando Vargas Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, said Ganar was rushed to a hospital in Pagadian City but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Ganar was also assigned to the Army’s Balunay detachment in Midsalip.
Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office Director Col. Restituto Pangusban reported that the suspect, a Sominot resident, is currently detained at the Sominot Municipal Police Station. Authorities are preparing to file appropriate charges as the investigation continues.